What does Revelation 13:4 mean?

This verse provides a stark assessment of religion and spirituality in the end times. The dragon, described in earlier passages, is Satan. In other words, Devil-worship will accompany the rise of the beast from the sea. Worshippers will recognize that Satan empowered the beast, but they will also worship the beast. This worship is the deification of a man. The worshippers assume that the beast is so powerful that no one can fight against it.

This end-times figure, commonly called Antichrist, will grasp all power in his hands and will oppose and exalt himself against every so-called god or object of worship. He will even proclaim himself to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:4). Like the Caesars of old, he places himself in the role of God and demands worship.

It is not hard to believe worship will be ascribed to a man. To some extent, this trend is apparent today as people virtually worship charismatic religious leaders. Some even hand over all their property to a religious leader, or ingest poison if asked to do so. The Antichrist will be empowered by Satan—possibly even being supernaturally healed (Revelation 13:3)—making it even more likely that people would respond in worship.